Campground

Lewis Lake Campground

Campground
Rustic wooden cabin at Lewis Lake in Yellowstone National Park, surrounded by tall pines and a clear blue sky.

Lewis Lake Campground sits at 7,800 ft along the southeast shore of Lewis Lake, eight miles from the South Entrance. A boat ramp sits near the campground information and registration area, and canoe, kayak, and motor boats are allowed on Lewis Lake. Boat permits and an aquatic invasive species inspection performed by park staff are required. This National Park Service campground is reservable and offers lakeside access with forested surroundings.

Lewis Lake Campground—elevation 7,800 ft (2377 m)—is about eight miles from the South Entrance and a short walk from the southeast shore of Lewis Lake. A boat ramp is located near the campground information and registration area. Canoes, kayaks, and motor boats are allowed on Lewis Lake. Boat permits and an aquatic invasive species inspection performed by park staff are required. This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Varies
Reservation Tips
Book via Recreation.gov; book early during peak season; have alternative dates ready
Season Dates
Varies

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Varies
Reservation Tips
Book via Recreation.gov; book early during peak season; have alternative dates ready
Season Dates
Varies
Fills Up Speed
Varies
Per Night Cost
Varies
Extra Vehicle Fees
Varies
Day Use Fees
Varies
Passes Accepted
Interagency passes accepted (America the Beautiful)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
Varies
Site Types
Tent, RV (no hookups)
Site Type Breakdown
Tent sites, few small-RV sites; one loop for tents only
RV Max Length
Varies by site
Hookups
No hookups
Site Features
Boat ramp nearby; lake access for boats; AIS inspection required; reservations handled by NPS
Ground Type
Gravel/dirt pads
Site Privacy
Moderate; some screening between sites

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Vault toilets
Showers Available
No showers on-site
Potable Water
Bring your own water
Dump Station
None on-site
Trash Service
Pack it out
Camp Store
No
Firewood Availability
Don't move firewood
Cell Service
Spotty; download offline maps first
Nearby Facilities
Registration area near campground; boat ramp access

Access

Road Type
Gravel internal roads
Road Conditions
Gravel with washboard; slow in spring
Vehicle Restrictions
RVs allowed; check site length
Clearance Needed
Standard clearance
Gate Hours
Seasonal; verify at entry
Distance From Entrance
8 miles
Nearest Gas Services
West Yellowstone (fuel)
Elevation
7800 ft (2377 m)
Accessibility
No designated ADA sites; better accessibility at C30; bathrooms and Ranger Station accessible
ADA Accessible Sites
No designated ADA sites; bathrooms and Ranger Station accessible; Campground C30 offers better accessibility

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear boxes provided; store food in lockers
Fire Restrictions
Fire rings may be allowed; follow posted restrictions
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Leash at all times; some trails may restrict pets
Generator Hours
Not permitted
Quiet Hours
10pm–6am
Max Stay Limit
14 days (July 1–Labor Day); 30 days otherwise

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Boating, fishing, hiking
Trailheads Nearby
Lewis Lake shoreline trails
Fishing Details
Fishing allowed on Lewis Lake; follow Yellowstone regulations
Wildlife Viewing
Bears, elk, and other wildlife common; store food securely and maintain distance
Shade Coverage
Partial shade around sites
Scenic Views
Lewis Lake and surrounding mountains
Noise Level
Quiet with occasional boat activity on the lake
Best Time To Visit
Late spring through early fall; boating season
Vibe Check
Lakeside basecamp—functional and family-friendly with boating on Lewis Lake; not a deep wilderness retreat; privacy varies by site.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want reservable lakeside camping with boat access and no hookups. ❌ SKIP IF: You need on-site showers, full hookups, or a deep forest isolation.
Tips Advice
  • Pack warm layers for cool nights.
  • Bring headlamp for late arrivals.
  • Use bear storage and keep a tidy camp.
  • Download offline maps and have a plan for water access.

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park
Reservation Info
All sites are reservable on Recreation.gov. Eighty percent of sites are reservable six months in advance, while the remaining 20% of sites are available two weeks in advance.
Family Friendly Notes
Family campground; kids enjoy lake access and boating; basic facilities
Senior Access Discounts
50% discount
Boat Launch
Boat ramp nearby
Nearby Attractions
South Entrance of Yellowstone; Lewis Lake area
Terrain Type
Lakeside with forested surroundings
Temperature Ranges
Summer highs ~70–75°F; nights 30–40°F
Snow Season
Varies; typically closed in winter
Monsoon Season
Varies
Wind Exposure
Moderate; lakeside breeze
Bug Season
Summer mosquitoes common; bring repellent
Setup Strategy
Internal roads are gravel; expect some tight turns depending on site. Large rigs should verify site length and turning radii; plan for simple backing maneuvers if needed.
Bath Laundry Recon
No on-site showers; vault toilets available; no laundry facilities—plan accordingly
Review Summary
Camper logs emphasize easy lake access and reservable sites, with calm evenings and reliable boat access. The AIS inspection requirement adds a quick check before hitting the water. Facilities are basic, with vault toilets and no on-site showers, so plan accordingly.
Dock at Lewis Lake Campground in Yellowstone National Park with a small boat and forested shore.Lewis Lake shoreline at Lewis Lake Campground, Yellowstone National Park.Lewis Lake in Yellowstone National Park with a partially frozen shoreline and pine trees framing the tranquil water.Lewis Lake Campground in Yellowstone National Park shows a red tent pitched among pines beside a parked car and picnic table.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears at Lewis Lake Campground?

Yes, Yellowstone is bear country. Store food in provided lockers, keep a clean camp, and carry bear spray; follow all park bear safety rules.

Do I need a reservation to camp here?

Yes. Lewis Lake Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov; plan to book in advance during peak season.

Is there potable water or showers available?

Potable water cannot be assumed on-site; plan to bring water and treat as needed. There are no on-site showers.

What size RV fits Lewis Lake Campground?

Site lengths vary; check the specific site details in Recreation.gov to confirm fit for your rig.

Can I drive a trailer or needs special access?

RVs are allowed but road conditions are gravel and turning space depends on the site; proceed with caution and verify site length before arrival.

Mammoth Campground

Water spigots; no on-site showers; bear-country camping near Mammoth Hot Springs.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.